Box construction



June 4, 1935. D R, PALMER 2,003,388

BOX CONSTRUCTION Filed April 15, 1935 Sheets-Sheet l :1 INVENTOR 3 1 M10 1?. PALMER 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR 00mm a PALMER ORN D. R. PALMER Box CONSTRUCTION Filed April 15, 1953 June 4, 1935.

'FIG.4.

Patented June 4, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE BOX CONSTRUCTION Donald R. Palmer, LittleNeck, N. Y. Application April 15, 1933, Serial No. 666,270

13 Claims.

boxes, particularly those 'made of cardboard and similar fibrous flexible material, and is so designed that such materials may be used to make strong, durable and attractive boxes instead of using wood for such purposes, especially in boxes for holding cigars and other articles which are tightly packed and constituting containers for storage or transportation purposes.

The objects of my invention are to produce a box which not only can be easily and cheaply manufactured but which'when made in accordance with the principles of my invention will be exceptionally strong, light'and durable, and at the same time will not differ in appearance and general characteristics from similar boxes made of various woods, such as mahogany or cedar.

In boxes of the character above mentioned it becomes very essential that the: corners thereof be made particularly strong and not liable to become separated when the contents is caused to expand under pressure or otherwise. In the packing of cigar boxes, itis well known that the cigars are placed therein when in a fresh or semimoist, condition, and pressure is then brought to bear upon the contents to force them into position within the box so .that the cover may be closed and held in position by any of the usual fastening means such as a, small nail'or brad." These results are accomplished to an exceptional degree in the construction which I have devised, and other advantages and improvements willgbe apparent from the following specification taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming apart thereof, in which Fig. -1 is a perspective view'of one'of my improved boxes completely assembled;- Fig.- 2-is a plan view of a strip of light; preferably cellular material, from whichjthe main sup-.

porting body of the box is formed; 7 Fig.3 is a plan view of the main body of the box composed of thestrip shown in Fig.1 2' but folded into form' so that the coverings of Figs.

4 and 5 may be applied thereto. c I

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the blank which is glued or' pasted into the" bottom to form the lining therefor. I I

Fig. 5 is a plan view of the blank forming the outer and inner layers of the box shell, developed or flattened-out. 1

Fig. 6 is a bottom plan view thereof folded in place. g

V For a detailed description of this form of my invention reference may be had to the accom- 55." panying drawings, first, particularly to Figs. 2 and 3, I In Fig. 2 the material there represented comprises a strip of fibrous cardboard, heavy paper or the like which is preferably formed and creased in the shape shown, by use of suitable dies or otherwise. The material of this strip is of a 5 porous or cellular construction, and for this purpose what is known as corrugated board is preferably used. That is, cardboard which usually is provided with one flat smooth layer and with series of fluted or successive corrugations which are attached to the'b'ase'strip. This is also often covered on the opposite or corrugated side with another fiat layer of paper or similar material to give a finished appearance to both sides .of the corrugated'board. This constitutes the material that I preferably use in the construction of. the main body of the box, although I do not wish to be limited ,to this particular construction. Such material forms alight, stiff and yet easily workable substance.

When this or similar material is used, the strips areformed substantially as shown in Fig. 2, said strips being scored or creased transverselyto form the successive integralsections I, 2, 3, 4 and 5." These sections are defined or outlined as to each other by the transverse scores 01' creases, so that when the parts are bent relatively to each other they willfold on suchlines as are defined by the scoring; The strip is also creased or scored longitudinally at the bottom of 30 each'section, as indicated atB, 1, 8,-9'and l0, and below such scoring the tabs so formed are preferably tapering or triangular in shape, so that they may fit together without overlapping when the sides of the box are bent around to form the complete body-portion. The manner in which this latter complete folding of the main body and the interfitting of the'tabs is accomplished is indicated in Fig. 3. These tabs are numbered.

respectively, ll, [2, l3, I4 and-l5.

In order to provide suitable accommodations 4 for the cover of the box, the end sections 2 and 4 of the strip are extended somewhat abovethe upper line of the adjacent sections, as indicated at l6 and I1, and the central section 3, whichforms the front of the shell, isprovided with a longitudinal. recess indicated at [8, the purpose of which will be hereafter mentioned.

When the main body of the box is completed and formed into the shape indicated in Fig. 3 the secondary supporting portions indicated in Figs. 4 a'nd5 are applied thereto. These are applied both on the inside and outside of the mainportion, and "according to my present preference they form an external layer and'an' internal linand other parts which constitute the body of the ing and are permanently attached to the sides and bottom of the main body portion indicated in Fig. 6, the rectangular piece l9 forming the internal layer of the bottom. The main secondary supporting piece is shaped as indicated in Fig. 5. It consists of a central strip 20 with flaps or strips 2|, 22, 23 and 24, which when folded inward over the edges form the inner layer or lining for the sides and ends of the shell. These strips and flaps are integral with the central portion but are defined by means of creases or scores as before referred-to. Each section of the central strip is provided with a lateral extension 25, 26, 21 and 28, which when the material is bent into form will extend over the edges of the inner member. The projections '2l and 23' are made long enough to extend also across the width of the edges of the corrugated body portion, and fill the internal angles at the raised ends of the box, as will be appreciated from a consideration of Fig. 1. This secondary supporting layer and lining is preferably attached to the corrugated body portion previously described by being glued or pasted thereto so that the whole forms a complete firmly constructed shell for the container, with overlapping bottom layers. 7 The recess [8 is filled by means of a strip of wood 29 or other similar fibrous material which is firmly held in position by the adjacent layers of cardboard, so that when the nail or brad is passed through the cover of the box 'it will engage the strip to hold the cover closed, as is usual in cigar boxes and similar containers. When'the shell has been assembled, as indicated in Fig. 6, and pasted or glued to the mainbody portion, the entire shell may then be covered with suitable ornamental paper or other thin sheet material to give the box a finished appearance, and the usual hinged cover may be attached to produce the completed article as indicated in Fig. 1.

It will thus be seen that I haveproduced a box construction which can be assembledeither by hand 01' on suitable machines and by the use of suitable folding and pasting apparatus. such as is well known in the art. It will also be noticed that the box is completely assembled and finished withoutthe use of nails or other similar reenforcements or attaching devices. The box-is also of great strength, and the strength isproduced where it is most desired, that is, at the corners box. 1 I

Having thus described this form of my invention I do not wish to be understood as being limited to thedetails of form, materials and arrangements of parts set forth herein except as they are consistentwith the scope andtenor of the appended claims, for various changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the substance of my invention.

What I claim and desire to protect by Letters Patent is: r

1. In a box of cardboard or the like, the improvements'which comprise astifi main sup porting body portion of which all sides are in' the form of a rectangular strip thatis integral on all lines forming corners thereof, and a secondary supporting layer of. fibrous mate'rialper manently attachedto said main body to form continuous sides and the discontinuous parts of the bottom of the box shell. 7

2 In a box made of paper, cardboard or the like, the improvements which comprise a. main supporting body of which the materialincludesa continuousscored strip,zsaid strip being lfoldedon transverse creases to form the vertical corners, and having tapering tabs folded inward on longitudinal creases to form the bottom thereof, and a secondary supporting and retaining layer of iibrous material having a continuous central strip and folded bottom tabs and strips forming linings for the ends and sides, which parts are attached permanently to said main body to form continuous sides and bottom of the box shell.

3. In a box madeof paper, cardboard or the like, the improvements which comprise a main supporting body of which the materialis integral onall lines forming corners thereof, and a secondary supporting layer of fibrous material scored longitudinally and transversely to form central bottom tabs and folded external and internal ends andsides, said'ends having small projections to complete the ends of the shell above the front and back thereof, which parts are attached permanently to said main body to form continuous layers on the sides'and bottom of the box shell.

4. In a box made of paper, cardboard or the like, the improvements which comprise a main supporting body of which the material is cellular and formed of an integral scored strip, said strip being folded on transverse scores to form the vertical corners, and having tapering tabs folded inward on longitudinal scores to constitute the bottom thereof, a strip of wood inserted in a recess,

along one margin of said main body and adapted to receive a nail or brad, and a secondary supporting lining of fibrous material having a continuous central strip and folded internal and external ends and sides, which parts are attached permanently to said main body to form continuous sides and bottom of the box shell and to hold said strip in position therein.

5. Ina'primary container or box of cardboard or the like, the improvements which comprisea stiff supportingbody portion of which all sides are in the form of a rectangular strip and constituting an integral fabricated cellular structure, the bottom of, which is integral therewith and comprises independent parts located in a single plane and secondary supporting layers of thinv fibrous. material permanently attached to saidmain body to form continuous sides and bot tom of the box shell.

6. In a'box of cardboard or the like, the improvements which comprise a stiff supporting body portion of which all sides are in the form of a rectangular'strip and constituting an integral fabricated cellular structure, said material being folded on creases therein to formthe vertical and longitudinal corners and iinterfitting bottom members, and secondary supporting layer of thin fibrousmaterial permanently attached to said main body to formcomplete continuous sides and bottom of the box shell.

7. Ina box of cardboard or the like, the improvements which comprise a stiff supporting body portion of which the material is an integral fabricated cellular structure, all sides of'the box being in the form of a rectangular strip folded on creases therein to form vertical corners and interfitting tapering tabs constituting the bottom of said main body, and a secondary supporting layer of thin fibrous material permanently attached to said main'body to' form complete continuous sides and bottom of the-box shell.

8. In a box made'ofpaper, cardboard or the like, the improvements which comprise a main supporting'body portion of which the material is an integral fabricated cellular structure, said material. beingifoldedonscreases therein to form vertical corners and interfitting tapering tabs constituting the bottom of said main body portion, and a secondary supporting member of cardboard permanently attached to said main body portion to form inner and outer layers on the ends, sides and bottom of the box shell, said secondary member having interfitting tabs similar to those of the main body but formed on diiferent angles so as to overlap the joints between the first mentioned interfitting tabs.

9. In a box made of paper, cardboard or the like, the improvements which comprise a main body portion of fabricated cellular material which is integral on all lines forming the corners thereof, a secondary supporting layer of fibrous material having a continuous central strip and folded strips forming internal and external ends and sides, which parts are permanently attached to said main body portion, a cover, and an ornamental or distinctive coating of fibrous sheet material permanently attached to the sides and bottom of the box shell and to said cover.

10. In a box made of paper, cardboard or the like, the improvements which comprise a main body portion of corrugated board which is integral on all lines forming the corners thereof, secondary supporting layers of cardboard having a continuous central strip and folded strips forming internal and external ends and sides, which parts are permanently attached to said main body portion, a cover, and an ornamental or distinctive coating of fibrous sheet material permanently attached to the sides and bottom of the box shell and to said cover.

11. In a box of cardboard or the like, the improvements which comprise a main body portion of stiff cellular sheet material which has rectangular sides in the form of a strip that is integral on all lines forming angles at the comers thereof and having internally extending tapering or triangular tabs which interfit to form a smooth bottom thereof, an internal supporting layer of fibrous material permanently attached to the bottom of said main body portion and securing said tabs in one plane, a cover, and an ornamental or distinctive coating permanently covering the sides and bottom of the box shell and said cover.

12. In a box of cardboard or the like, the improvements which comprise a main body portion of corrugated board which has rectangular sides in the form of a strip that is integral on all lines forming angles at the corners thereof and having internally extending tapering or triangular tabs which interfit to form a smooth bottom thereof, an internal supporting piece of cardboard permanently attached to said main body and securing said tabs in one plane, a cover and an ornamental or distinctive coating permanently covering the sides and bottom of the box shell and said cover. a

13. In a box of cardboard or the like, the improvements which comprise a main body portion of corrugated board which has rectangular sides in the form of a strip that is integral on all lines forming angles at the corners thereof and hav-,

ing internally extending tapering or triangular tabs which interfit to form a smooth bottom thereof, a strip of wood carried in a recess in one margin of said main body, an internal reinforcing piece of cardboard permanently attached to the bottom of said main body and securing said tabs in one plane, a cover and an ornamental or distinctive coating permanently covering the sides and bottom of the box shell and said cover. a

DONALD R. PALMER. 

